Welcome to SATURDAY MARE-ATHONS! Lets begin. PS: Sorry this is late, I had a dental appointment and well... anyway without further adieu lets start!
~One day before the Gala, Dashie's house, 9:30pm~
Shayne's/Storm's POV
Where is it... I left it in the living room on the side... not there. Is it here? Nope. Maybe in Dashie's room? No...
I had searched practically every room except the room that seemed secret. Should I? Maybe I should look around again. I probably missed it. I actually don't even know why I looked at that room like its supposed to be 'her' room. Like I shouldn't be there. Its probably nothing, Dashie doesn't seem like the one to keep secrets, I mean, if I had been more of a fan of the Wonderbolts like Dashie, then... I would keep it a secret, but its not like its a big deal. I'm thinking about this too much. Where was I? Oh yea, the missing cello.
By this time I've been around the house multiple times, searching every area possible, I came across Dashie's diary... SHE WRITES!? Never saw that coming, but of course I didn't read it. No way am I invading anyone's privacy. that's her stuff. I guess I have to check that one room now.
I walked up to the door, and turned the knob to open it. The door seemed much larger than the others, it seemed more like an Earthy door. Instead of roundish like most of the doors I've seen so far, this one is rectangular and large like the ones we had at Earth. It was tall and white, with a rectangular pattern with leaves in the middle. Pretty expensive looking door. I walked in, and saw my cello, 'yay' and also saw all of these colorful paintings. Dashie probably didn't draw this or paint it. It looked like inspirational drawings, like scenery's and flying pegasi with one of them lacking behind. There was a desk opposite end of the door, which had many papers, quills, and ink. I edged closer to it, and saw it was writings. Everything from poems, to short stories, to full fledged stories! Most of the longer stories weren't finished, and were stacked in folders. I looked at some of the poems and saw Dashie's signature in the end. She is a writer!
I looked at some of the paintings and check behind the frames. They also had her signature. I continued looking around, and saw a brown cardboard box in the far corner stacked with crates and barrels and stuff. Being the curious me, and now invading privacy I opened the box to find pictures when she was just a little filly. She still had the rainbow mane, and cyan body, but she was just smaller... obviously. Mayor Mare was in the picture as well, she was on the ground being that she's an earth pony, and Dashie was putting clouds together. It seemed small and like a clubhouse size. The back of the picture said, "Club Rainbow, July 18th 3455."
So this land is really old, but yet so... not damaged and corrupted like earth. She had the biggest smile on her face when they took the picture. Her eyes were as huge as her smile. There were plenty pictures here. So I decided to look for one more.
This one was a wider shot. I could see the valley now, the club was over this hill! This time the clubhouse was larger. Putting two and two together makes me believe that Dashie put together this ENTIRE house! Does it suprise me? Yes. She seemed more like the type to not care, and too lazy to build something of her own. After all, she does have that kind of character in her to really not care unless it involves friends or herself. Meaning her pride. Looking at the picture more closely than before now, I could see some parts of the living room in the making. In the back it said, "Rainbow's House in the making July 18th 3456."
Let me get this straight. Dashie is a carpenter... kinda, she built with clouds so I don't know if carpenter would work. Regardless she's a builder, artist, and a writer. Wow, that's more talent than I'll ever get in a lifetime! Just then I had noticed how much I was invading her privacy. I put everything back where they belonged and kept what I knew a secret. Why would she put my cello in here though? That doesn't make sense... I grabbed the cello and looked at it. Its... not my case. This one was a brown case, I don't know how I didn't notice that. I looked inside to see Dashie's signature on the cello's bow. What the hell is going on. She plays instruments too? I got to te-NO! Secret. I just gotta keep my damn mouth shut. Wait... so where's my cello?
I looked around again and crossed the living room. And guess what. It was on the freaking couch. Giving myself a facehoof and calling myself an idiot multiple times, I finally grabbed it and went down towards Twilight's house to play music. I didn't even have to go far though. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Octavia, Pinkie Pie, and Dashie were already outside with concerned looks on their faces. I noticed Dashie first because she could fly, and its her house. She was right outside the door when I came out.
"What took you so long? We were getting worried!" she snapped at me then gave me a playful punch on the side. I told her the truth... most of it.
"I was looking around for my cello, and been around the house multiple times, then finally found it on the couch and called myself an idiot multiple times and a facehoof. Its always the last place you look isn't it..." She chuckled at teased me for being so clueless. I laughed it off, I knew she was kidding anyway.
We came down to meet up with the others and then I had noticed that Sean wasn't around. "Where's Sean at?"
"He didn't want to come with us for the two reasons. One, he's going to freak out anypony still awake then probably call the guards after him, and two, he's feeling really bad for what he had said earlier. I think maybe you should talk to him." Twilight was serious, but I knew she was right. She stared me down waiting for a response, her eyes got larger and glassier, I don't know how she didn't blink for what seemed like a minute. "Yea, you're right. I'll talk to him later, and Twi?"
"Yes?"
"I know this is a lot to ask... but can he stay at your house? He kinda can't get up to Dashies without a pegasus... and well, being the species he is, that'll be hard wouldn't it."
"Oh yes, we have already discussed that, he really didn't want to though. He told me that he didn't want to make anyones life harder already, and that he already learned some survival skills in the forest. He even insisted that he live in the forest and build himself his own house. I couldn't let that happen of course. So I kinda... forced him."
"Darling, I'm quite curious... how did you do that? I mean, he's much bigger than us, and it seems impossible to force somepony that size! NO OFFENSE!" Rarity quickly replied.
"Its fine Rarity, I always called him fat before!" Big mistake.
"Before? I thought you just met him today..."
"Ah have to agree with Rar... what do you mean by... before..." Well fuck. Now everyone was agreeing with each other, and all wanted to hear an answer. Gotta think fast Shayne... THINK FAST! I got it!
"Well, you see. When I first came here, and even before I crashed into Dashie, I met him on my stroll. He seemed nice so we chatted a bit, and joked around. He'd call me ugly," I saw Twilight put on a 'he did what!?" face on. I didn't really let it phase me, so I continued. "and I'd call him fat!" Rarity seemed discussed, and Fluttershy looked like she disapproved with the ways we joked around, and AJ seemed skeptical about it. I could see it in her eyes, she had one eye big while the other slightly squinted, but only barely noticeable. Twilight on the other hand seemed relieved that it was joking, and Dashie wasn't paying any attention. She probably didn't care.
"So how's about we hear a song Storm?" Octavia brought up after the small moment of silence. Everyone nodded their head and turned towards me and awaited for music.
"Ok, um, here we go." I started playing a song from Kingdom Hearts and they seemed to like it, I"m glad they did. I had to improvise so much, after all... I hadn't played kingdom hearts in a few years, so the melody was kinda... iffy. Regardless they cheered for me, and enjoyed the song. When it was all over, I had to ask AJ if I could work for her farm. I need some of my own money. Why did Dashie even spend so much money on me. It doesn't really make sense. I mean, even if she did like me, it doesn't make sense for her to spend so much! I doubt that even a mother would do that!
"Hey AJ?"
"Yea Storm?"
"I was wondering... if I could work on your farm... I kind of need the bits."
"Well uh..." She examined me, and started poking my hind legs, probably to see if they were 'apple bucking' worthy.
"You seem fit enough, but you seem more of the type to be working at a desk. Our farm has been getting more returns and Ah'm not so sure why, we do our very best and each and every year we improve everything including shipping. I'm just... not so sure. And well, none of us except for Granny Smith is capable of doing the desk work... maybe you're good at this stuff too?"
"This can work out just fine actually, I've took a few courses back at school to help out with business stuff. Maybe this could prove useful." She nodded and I have gotten myself a job at the farm! I'm so happy! The others congratulated me, and I told them that I needed to go. I wanted to check on Sean, but at the same time... I needed a relaxing flight. I'll talk to him tomorrow when he's more calm. That seems like the better idea for both of us. With that, I took flight and headed over the small town of Ponyville.
Applejack's POV
~Twilights Library with Octavia, Sean, Twilight, Applejack, and Dashie~
"We're back Spike!" Twilight didn't really need to say that. Ah mean, they are technically family right? Seriously though... I haven't seen Spike the whole time a little while after the... incident. and why were they always so kind to Storm... like REALLY nice and stuff. Oh, I think I see whats going on here... Giggle
"Whats so funny AJ?" Dashie, sometimes you make things too obvious. Same goes for Twi. Ah'm not so sure about Octavia though, she seems too look at him 'like that' though. Ah could see it too, the way she gets all shy when he walks close to her. She even gets slightly red and stuff. Ah don't wanna be rude or nothin' but they all need to get themselves together and stop making it to obvious. "So what are you guys thinking right now?" Sean entered the room, then asked Twilight where he should set up, and she pointed at the couch and he lazily nodded 'ok'.
"So anyway, what are you guys thinking? About Stormy I assume?" I looked at them with a slight grin on my face to show them that I knew what was going on. Well I mean, ah don't exactly know about Twilight or Octavia, but Dashie showed big signs like, buying him gifts, letting him sleep in 'her' room. Even the way she hugs him. Octavia could've just been in stress at the time, she did after all... almost get... ah shouldn't talk about it nor even think about it.
Dashie was the first to react after their expressions were all confused. "WHAT are YOU talking about!?" I bursted out laughing, this just made it all the more obvious of her feelings.
"You really like him now don't ya?"
"Well, I certainly hope not, because I have somewhat feelings for him too..." Twilight said softly. Ah could barely hear that darn thing... she was embarrassed of course, and she was blushing like crazy!
"I have to say, that I feel the same way..." Octavia looked down and to the side, also blushing. Now ah'm REALLY confused. No way Twilight would like anyone, she's always studying and stuff! Well I guess she likes smart pony's after all... Storm is smart ah guess. Octavia probably likes him because he saved her, and also enjoys music. Dashie on the other hand... nope, ah can't see it. She always wasn't the type to 'fall in love' just like that. However, it could be possible right? She has however been acting very strange ever since his arrival.
My turn to respond. "Wait. Ya'll like him?" They nodded. Well shoot. This is gonna be hard on them. "Ya know you can't all have him right?" they nodded sadly. "Well, what are you girls gonna do? Ah mean, ah don't like him the way you girls do, but how are you gonna pull this off? Sorry to sound like the downer here... but you see what ah mean right?" they nodded again. "So ah think... the best way to get this settled, would either decide with each other who would match, or I tell him myself and see the way he reacts. Your choice." Now that ah think of it, if he did have any feelings for them... what would make him think that its ok for me to tell them? Ah was gonna say something but Dashie spoke up first.
"Well, I guess both ways could work, but he already asked me to go to the Gala with him. Soooo... I WIN!"
"Not just yet... he may still think of it as 'friends going to a gathering'... what ah'm trying to say is, all of you still have hope to win his heart. Well... ah think ah should go. I feel bad enough making you all tell me this." I left the house but stayed outside the door to listen in. I felt bad, and this was very dishonest of me to do, but ah need to know.
Most of the sound was muffled by the walls, but it was still audible. Twilight explained her reasons, which was what ah had expected, Octavia thought that they could make a really adorable musical couple, and even perform for live audiences later if it ever gets more serious. Dashie said that his flying skills are pretty much matched up to her, and if anything, better than the Wonderbolts themselves. Ah gasped, that coming from Rainbow Dash... saying one pony is better than them, is like saying the apple farms apples don't taste good. I could hear gasps from the room as well. She then said that he performed what she called 'sonic storm' she explained what it looked like in fine detail. It had multiple colors of gold, blue, and gray. Basically the same colors of his eyes, mane, and coat. It arrived in different waves though. She said her Sonic Rainboom comes all in one wave, but instead of a solid color, its a rainbow. But his was different. First came a golden wave, then a few seconds later, a blue one would arrive, and next a gray one. It follows his tracks though. The first one would be where the aura that forms around us becomes sharp and explodes into the whatever causes it. And when we continue flying at our top speed, we have a trail of whatever color represents us. For him, it'll be gold. The waves follow him every few seconds so the circles that form are all in different areas. Not the same one. Just making his display look that much more fantastic...
Rainbow's right, he does sound really good at flying, but why wasn't that his cutie mark! I'm sure all of us noticed that he's blank. I hate to say it, but Dashie does sound like more of the ideal pony to win him. This is none of my business, but I feel like I should tell him tomorrow when he's working at the farm. The Gala is tomorrow though... maybe I should ask Rarity if somehow she can make him a tuxedo to show up in. It is a formal party after all.
I walked to the boutique, only because the lights were still on this late at night. I knocked on the door and Rarity showed up with her mane all messed up from working. "Rar? Uh... you got somethin' on your head... lemme get it for ya." I grabbed her head and messed her ENTIRE mane up, of course it was a joke.
"APPLEJACK! STOP! Ugh...."
"I just needed to give ya more of a reason to wash up afterwords. You're really looking... not your best."
"Well after the just magnificent music I had an idea, so I just simply HAD to get to work on it! Its a tuxedo for him! I think it'll make a wonderful gift don't you think? Isn't it just MARVELOUS!?"
"It sure is Rar! Actually that was what I was coming here for, Storm's apparently got a date tomorrow with Dashie!" She squealed in excitement for her friend.
"OH! THAT is just WONDERFUL! It's a good thing I had made this for her! It just PERFECTLY matches her, don't you think AJ?" It was a really nice blue dress, and it matched the tuxedo really well. They would look so nice together!
"Thats really nice of you Rar, always thinking of other pony's. But now, you gotta take care of yourself before I leave."
"What does tha-EEEEEEEEE!" I picked her up and dragged her towards the shower.
"Now you go an wash up, ah got a big day tomorrow."
"Thanks AJ." And with that I left.
What a day. I'm now on my bed, in my room. So much happened. I hired Storm, found out that three of my friends like him, and a new species has been discovered. What a day it was.
*Authors notes; sorry for the late chapter, I've been really busy. Most of the credit for this chapter and the next has to got to AppleMLP. He has been such a big help with ideas so far, and saved me about 3 hours of brain storming. He's a life savor. I hope I'll be able to get the next chapter out by today though, if not, then I'm sorry. I'm just, REALLY busy and tired. The medication from the appointment made this longer than it had to... Anyway, thanks for reading this chapter, and if I don't get another one out today, then scold me. Tell me I'm a disgrace to the human race and give me a backhand slap. Then I'll finish the mare-athon with a special on Sunday.